SmartLipo® Treatments in Houston, TX

Lumps, bumps, and bulges are all that remain of your fight against obesity. Even with such an achievement in your life, though, these cosmetic concerns keep you from feeling completely comfortable with your body. What you may not realize is that your body has two types of fat, and you are now faced with stubborn fat deposits that are especially difficult to eliminate. Located in Cypress, board certified general surgeon Dr. Matthew St. Laurent offers his The Woodlands and Houston-area patients SmartLipo®, a minimally-invasive laser-based liposuction procedure to rid your body of unsightly pockets of fat.

What Are SmartLipo® Treatments?

After working with bariatric patients for more than 17 years, Dr. St. Laurent understands the defeat you feel when all you have left of your obesity are stubborn pockets of fat on your body. No amount of diet and exercise seems to reduce the size, and the bulges hide the natural contours of your hips, abdomen, thighs, stomach, buttocks and other areas. Dr. St. Laurent helps his patients understand that the stubborn fat deposits are the most difficult to eliminate by design. These fat pockets are the result of yo-yo dieting, heredity, and many other factors. Using SmartLipo®, Dr. St. Laurent removes the stubborn fat safely, effectively and with less tissue trauma than traditional liposuction.

Benefits of SmartLipo® Treatments

Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat deposits from various areas of the body. Removing fat using traditional methods relies upon force applied by the surgeon to essentially scrape off the fat. The technique causes significant tissue trauma and blood loss. As a result, patients experience long, uncomfortable recovery.

SmartLipo® relies on the advantages of laser energy to melt fat before being suctioned out of the treatment area. The procedure also requires smaller incisions than traditional liposuction. Additionally, the lasers simultaneously cauterizes blood vessels to reduce bleeding. Patients enjoy more consistent results with reduced downtime and fewer risks and post-procedure symptoms.

How Are SmartLipo® Treatments Performed?

Dr. St. Laurent administers a local or general anesthesia for the procedure. The choice of anesthesia depends on the size of the treatment area, extent of fat removal and patient tolerance. A special solution containing saline and a local anesthesia are injected into the treatment area. The solution works to numb the area and begin breaking down the fat. Small incisions are made in the tissue, and a special tube, known as a cannula, is inserted through the incision. Inside the tube is a special laser fiber that applies laser energy to the fat. Dr. St.Laurent carefully and precisely targets the fat to ensure a sculpted and natural appearance. As he melts the fat, it is suctioned out through the cannula. The incisions measure about one or two millimeters, so sutures may not be required.

Preparing for SmartLipo® Treatments

Dr. St. Laurent advises his patients that SmartLipo® treatments are not part of a weight loss solution. Rather, the treatment is intended to help patients who are close to their ideal weights eliminate remaining pockets of fat. As such, Dr. St. Laurent may recommend that you continue your diet and exercise routine to achieve a weight that is closer to your ideal weight.

SmartLipo® Treatment Recovery

Because SmartLipo® causes less tissue trauma than traditional liposuction, the recovery is significantly reduced. You may experience tenderness, swelling, bruising and pain after your procedure. You remain in our facility for a few hours after the procedure so that Dr. St. Laurent can monitor your progress. We apply compression bandages to the treatment area to help the tissue heal properly. Upon returning home, you will need to rest for up to three days. You should arrange for someone to stay with you during this time. After three days, you can return to work, but you should avoid strenuous activities for up to two weeks.

You see immediate results from your SmartLipo® procedure, and the fat removal is permanent. You may, though, develop new fat in the same areas, so following your diet and exercise regimen is paramount to maintaining your new contours.

How Much Do SmartLipo® Treatments Cost?

The cost of your SmartLipo® treatment is based upon many variables, including facility cost, surgeon cost,treatment area and other factors. We are unable to provide a cost until after your consultation with Dr. St. Laurent. SmartLipo® treatments are considered elective by your insurance company, so you are responsible for the cost of the procedure. We accept cash, major credit cards, and personal checks. For an affordable monthly payment option, please visit our financing page to learn about CareCredit® and American Healthcare Lending®.

Are SmartLipo® Treatments Right For Me?

If you are in good health and close to your ideal weight, Dr. St. Laurent may recommend SmartLipo® treatments to eliminate pockets of fat on your buttocks, hips, thighs, abdomen and other areas of the body. In some cases, Dr. St. Laurent may recommend that you lose more weight before considering SmartLipo®. He may refer you to our nutritionist to have your diet and exercise routine evaluated.

Why Choose Dr. St. Laurent For SmartLipo® Treatments?

Bariatric surgery offers many obese patients the chance to lose weight when other methods fail. With more than 17 years of experience in working with obese patients, Dr. St. Laurent understands the challenges that you face each and every day. He draws upon his expertise to offer viable options to help you live a healthy and active life.

What To Expect During Your SmartLipo® Treatment Consultation

Dr. St. Laurent performs a thorough physical examination at the beginning of your consultation. He also discusses your bariatric treatment, diet and exercise to eliminate other causes of your remaining fat. If he feels that you may benefit from nutritional counseling, exercise coaching, and other services, he makes the required referrals. If he determines that you maintain a healthy and appropriate lifestyle, he describes the SmartLipo® procedure, as well as the benefits of laser-assisted liposuction.

The Woodlands and Houston-area patients can eliminate the last remaining signs of their obesity with SmartLipo® treatments from Dr. St. Laurent. The treatments are safe and effective for removing unwanted fat from their hips, thighs, stomach, back and other areas. To learn more, contact our Cypress office today to schedule your personal SmartLipo® consultation.